RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded more than 2,900 operational sorties and 6,100 flying hours, consuming nearly 10 million litres of aviation fuel in support of national security operations between November 2025 and September 2026.
The figures were disclosed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement issued on Sunday ahead of the first anniversary of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on October 30.
According to Ejodame, the missions included precision airstrikes, armed reconnaissance, surveillance and close air support aimed at disrupting armed groups and strengthening ground operations.
He explained that the operations were guided by intelligence, clearly defined objectives and assessments of mission outcomes.
The spokesman said the operational activities formed part of Aneke’s transformation agenda, which prioritises combat readiness, personnel welfare, technological advancement and institutional accountability.
On personnel development, the NAF reported the promotion of 57 senior officers to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore.
Another 1,534 senior non-commissioned officers and 1,936 non-commissioned officers received promotions.
The Service also disclosed that more than 550 personnel participated in international training and professional engagements, while over 6,000 underwent local training.
Ejodame said the Air Force had pursued improvements in personnel allowances, medical services, accommodation and welfare transportation under its Welfare for Enhanced Warfare initiative.
On fleet modernisation, the NAF received five helicopters in September, comprising three AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters and two H125 helicopters.
The Service is also pursuing the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and other aircraft to strengthen its operational capabilities.
Additionally, six L-39ZA aircraft are undergoing reactivation and upgrades in Slovakia and Nigeria, while maintenance work on a C-130 aircraft continues in Portugal.
In infrastructure development, the Air Force reported approving 284 projects, with 145 completed and 139 ongoing.
The projects cover residential accommodation, medical and academic facilities, roads, electricity, water supply and operational infrastructure.
Ejodame also highlighted efforts to improve aviation safety, strengthen civilian harm prevention and develop indigenous defence technology.
These include locally produced 57-millimetre rockets undergoing development and ground testing.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to improving operational effectiveness through personnel development, aircraft maintenance, technological innovation and cooperation with other security agencies.
